In the past year, Fabian Women’s Network (FWN) and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) have been working in partnership on the challenges the progressive movement is facing.

We’re now bringing together high profile experts and policy specialists from several industries under one roof for a free conference on the economy to encourage the formulation of new policies and approaches that can drive the renewal of innovative economic thinking.

Why are we doing this?

There is no doubt that in the post-2008 era countries in Europe and across the world need to rethink the current economic model to ensure working people are rewarded more fairly.

We are in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution – with major shifts in technology such as automation, artificial intelligence, and the rise of civic and sharing platforms reshaping work and the labour market as we know it. Today’s labour markets worldwide face growing fragmentation – the rise of the gig economy and zero hour contracts offering flexibility at a cost at both the individual and at the macro-economic level.

Globally, the resurgence of nationalism and populism marks the beginning of a more protectionist era – not just economically but also politically. Brexit also means we are experiencing unprecedented economic uncertainty.

It is clear economics cannot be separated from difficult political choices, and an inclusive debate is needed to help determine what kind of an economy we want post-Brexit.

Now is the time to contribute to the debate to help create a UK society and economy that truly works in the interests of the many, not the few.

The aim of this conference is to discuss the above issues and encourage the formulation of new policies and approaches that can drive the renewal of innovative economic thinking on the left.

The New Economy: Participation, Democracy and InnovationRowan Conway, Director of Innovation and Development, RSAFaiza Shaheen, Director, Centre for Labour and Social Studies (CLASS)

How to address the remaining gender gaps in our economiesChristina Boll, Research Director, Hamburg Institute of International Economics

How do we avoid Brexit being used as an excuse?Fiona Twycross, London Assembly Labour Group Spokesperson on the Economy–12.30 – Lunch
–13.30 – Breakout sessions

Cities vs non urban areas: who owns the future?Tackling in-work povertyTechnology driving a more flexible and inclusive workforceCreating innovation: How should the public and private sector work together?